Concussion Policy

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump or blow to the head. It can change the way your brain normally works. It can occur during practices or games in any sport. A concussion can happen even if you haven't been knocked out. You can't see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOLS

What are the steps that an athlete should take in attempting to return to sport after a concussion:

A concussion is a serious event, but you can recover fully from such an injury if the brain is given enough time to rest and recuperate. Retuning to normal activities, including sport participation, is a step-wise process that requires patience, attention and caution.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be immediately removed from play, and should not be returned to activity until they are assessed medically. Athletes with a suspected concussion should not be left alone and should not drive a motor vehicle.

Each step must take a minimum of one day but could last longer, depending on the player and his/her specific situation

Step 1: No activity only complete restLimit school, work and tasks requiring concentration. Refrain from physical activity until symptoms are gone. Once symptoms are gone, a physician, preferably one with experience managing concussions, should be consulted before beginning a step-wise return to play process

Step 2: Light aerobic exerciseActivities such as walking or stationary cycling. The player should be supervised by someone who can help monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting. The duration and intensity of the aerobic exercise can be gradually increased over time if no symptoms or signs return during the exercise or the next day.

If the athlete has symptoms: return to rest until symptoms have resolved. if symptoms persist, consult a physician

If the athlete has no symptoms: proceed to Step 3 the next day.

Step 3: Sport specific activitiesActivities such as stationary passing, dribbling or shooting can begin at Step 3. There should be no body contact or other jarring motions such as high-speed stops.

If the athlete has symptoms: return to rest until symptoms have resolved. if symptoms persist, consult a physician

If the athlete has no symptoms: proceed to Step 4 the next day.

Step 4: Begin drills without body contact

If the athlete has symptoms: return to rest until symptoms have resolved. if symptoms persist, consult a physician

If the athlete has no symptoms: The time needed to progress from non-contact exercise will vary with the severity of the concussion and with the player. Proceed to Step 5 only after medical advice

Step 5: Begin drills with body contact

If the athlete has symptoms: return to rest until symptoms have resolved. if symptoms persist, consult a physician

If the athlete has no symptoms: proceed to Step 6 the next day.

Step 6: Game Play

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION:If an athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:

Appears dazed or confusedIs confused about assignment or positionForgets and instructionIs unsure of game, score or opponentMoves clumsilyAnswers questions slowlyLoses consciousness (even briefly)Shows behaviour or personality changesCan't recall events prior to being hit or fallingCan't recall events after being hit or fallingAppears more emotional

COACH TRAININGThe RCBA instituted a policy in June 2017 that all coaches must take a concussion protocol course. Coaches will have a period of 1 year to complete either of the following courses: